Chapter 98: Teaching Skills

"Excellent! The attack intensity can reach three, which makes this flying crane automaton a fine example among low-grade second-tier automata," Liu Yuerong exclaimed with delight upon seeing the character "three."

Wang Changsheng's heart stirred. He stepped forward and said, "Fairy Liu, I have crafted the second-tier automaton beast you requested. May I inquire about the Jade-Cold Spirit Water?"

"Don't worry, I always keep my word. This is the Jade-Cold Spirit Water you asked for. I had Senior Brother Ye prepare it for you. His alchemy skills rank among the top twenty in our Medicine King Valley. It was only out of respect for me that he charged you 500 spirit stones; anyone else would not even dream of getting it for less than 1,000 spirit stones," Liu Yuerong said with a hint of pride. With a flick of her wrist, a palm-sized green gourd flew out towards Wang Changsheng.

Wang Changsheng took the green gourd and eagerly pulled off the lid. A bone-chilling cold immediately surged out.

Wang Changsheng extended his right hand and poured some light blue liquid onto his palm.

The light blue liquid emitted a faint, peculiar fragrance and felt somewhat cool.

Wang Changsheng tasted a bit; it was sweet with a hint of coolness, exactly as described for Jade-Cold Spirit Water.

"Excellent, I appreciate your trouble, Fairy Liu. This is a small token of my gratitude; please don't find it too little," Wang Changsheng nodded with satisfaction, then took out a yellow storage pouch and handed it to Liu Yuerong.

A little over 100 jin of Jade-Cold Spirit Water would not be enough to support his cultivation to the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment. He would undoubtedly need Liu Yuerong's help again in the future to find someone to prepare more Jade-Cold Spirit Water.

Moreover, Liu Yuerong's status made her worth befriending.

Liu Yuerong did not accept the storage pouch. She shook her head and said earnestly, "Fellow Daoist Wang, I am quite interested in the art of automatons and have always wanted to learn how to craft automaton beasts. Would you be willing to teach me? I assure you, you won't suffer any losses regarding compensation."

"What? Teach you to craft automaton beasts? Fairy Liu, are you joking?" Wang Changsheng frowned, full of doubt.

Medicine King Valley was renowned in Song State for its alchemy. It was truly peculiar that Liu Yuerong, the sole daughter of the Medicine King Valley's sect master, would want to learn automaton crafting.

Liu Yuerong stated seriously, "I'm not joking, I'm serious. Name your conditions; as long as I can meet them, I will."

Medicine King Valley had many alchemists; one more or one less would make no difference. Liu Hongguang, as the sect master, was busy with many affairs, and she did not spend much time with him. By chance, she encountered automaton beasts and immediately fell in love with them.

The Azure Sun Sect had second-tier automaton masters, but the relationship between the Azure Sun Sect and Medicine King Valley was not good. It was impossible for a second-tier automaton master from the Azure Sun Sect to teach her the art of automatons.

Liu Yuerong also had ancient texts on crafting automaton beasts and had purchased materials to make them, but her success rate was extremely low.

Given this situation, she wanted to find a second-tier automaton master to guide her.

"Cousin Changsheng, Senior Aunt Liu is very trustworthy; she won't deceive you. Please teach her!" Zhao Ningxiang interjected, trying to persuade him.

If she had known Liu Yuerong was interested in the art of automatons, she would have learned it herself.

If Wang Changsheng truly taught Liu Yuerong how to craft automaton beasts, she could also improve her relationship with Liu Yuerong.

Liu Yuerong heard this and cast an appreciative look at Zhao Ningxiang.

Wang Changsheng felt quite conflicted. He didn't want to offend Liu Yuerong, but teaching her the art of automaton crafting would take at least three or four years.

He hesitated for a moment and then said, "Fairy Liu, learning the art of automatons is a very tedious process and takes a long time. It's not easy to get started without several years of dedication."

He had learned to carve puppets in his youth, which laid a solid foundation. Combined with his spiritual consciousness being stronger than that of cultivators at the same level, he was able to successfully craft automaton beasts.

Out of ten clan members who learned to carve puppets, only Wang Mingmei and two others remained. They had studied for five years and were just barely getting started, currently only able to turn a slight profit.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, don't worry, I have the patience. To be honest, I've already tried learning to craft automaton beasts before, but my success rate was very low, which is why I'm seeking your guidance. As for compensation, I'm sure you'll be satisfied." Liu Yuerong was full of confidence; in her opinion, Wang Changsheng could not refuse her request.

Wang Changsheng pondered for a while, then said, "I need some Heaven and Earth Spirit Water for artifact refining. I wonder if Fairy Liu has any? It must be Yin-attributed spirit water."

He couldn't afford to offend Liu Yuerong, so since that was the case, he might as well seek some benefits for himself and maximize his gain.

Liu Yuerong showed a difficult expression, shaking her head directly. "Naturally occurring spiritual objects are extremely rare. Even if someone obtains them, they rarely sell them. Even I don't have any. I can, however, have someone prepare Jade-Cold Spirit Water for you. How about this: you teach me to craft automaton beasts, and as soon as I can craft a second-tier automaton beast, I will let you leave. As for compensation, 500 jin of Jade-Cold Spirit Water, how does that sound?"

"Crafting automaton beasts requires multiple practices, and the cost for that is not small..."

Liu Yuerong smiled faintly and said, "Don't worry, during the learning period, I will bear all expenses myself. Are there any other questions?"

"I can only spare three hours a day to teach you; I also need to spend time cultivating."

"Three hours is too short. How about this: I'll come to you once every three days and learn for ten hours? What do you think?"

Wang Changsheng thought for a moment and agreed.

"Then it's settled, Fellow Daoist Wang. Please rest well for now. I'll come back to you in three days. Junior Niece Zhao, let's go!" Liu Yuerong did not linger and left with Zhao Ningxiang.

Thus, Wang Changsheng settled in the Guest Reception Hall.

He stayed there for a year.

After all, Liu Yuerong was an unmarried maiden. To avoid gossip, Zhao Ningxiang was always present whenever they practiced the art of automatons. Liu Yuerong came to the Guest Reception Hall every three days to learn how to craft automaton beasts from Wang Changsheng.

Wang Changsheng also diligently taught Liu Yuerong, though he held back some information. He did not tell Liu Yuerong that strong spiritual consciousness was helpful for crafting automaton beasts.

Liu Yuerong showed a certain talent in crafting automaton beasts. Under Wang Changsheng's careful guidance and with extensive practice, Liu Yuerong successfully crafted a second-tier automaton beast within a year, which made her incredibly happy. Of course, the success rate was very low, only succeeding once out of ten attempts. With more practice, the success rate would slowly improve.

Zhao Ningxiang also took this opportunity to befriend Liu Yuerong. Thanks to Liu Yuerong's connections, her days in Medicine King Valley became much easier.

On this day, in the secret chamber.

Liu Yuerong was crafting an automaton beast, with Wang Changsheng and Zhao Ningxiang observing nearby.

In front of Liu Yuerong was a bear-shaped puppet about ten feet tall, its surface covered with spirit patterns.

She poured a black liquid from a green gourd and manipulated it with her spiritual consciousness to coat the bear-shaped puppet. The black liquid then flowed into the spirit patterns.

She held her breath and, taking out a black porcelain bottle, released a green light mass the size of an egg, which flew towards the bear-shaped puppet.

Just as the green light mass was about to enter the bear-shaped puppet's mouth, an urgent male voice suddenly rang out: "Junior Sister Liu, are you there?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yuerong suddenly lost focus, and the green light mass instantly flew away.

"Fairy Liu, hurry!" Wang Changsheng quickly reminded her. After a demonic beast soul leaves the soul-collecting bottle, it will slowly dissipate. Therefore, soul attachment must be done quickly; a delay will affect the quality of the automaton beast.

Reminded by Wang Changsheng, Liu Yuerong quickly snapped back to attention. She rapidly formed hand seals, striking several incantations onto the bear-shaped puppet. The puppet opened its mouth, and a powerful suction surged from within, drawing the green light mass into its mouth, where it disappeared.

"Who would disturb Senior Aunt Liu while she's crafting an automaton beast at this time? Isn't that just intentionally causing trouble?" Zhao Ningxiang complained.

Liu Yuerong frowned slightly and explained, "It's Senior Brother Nangong. He made a mistake before and was confined, but he's been released now."

Wang Changsheng's face showed a smile. "Fairy Liu, you can now craft second-tier automaton beasts, and your success rate isn't low. Can I have my compensation now?"

Liu Yuerong nodded. "Of course, Fellow Daoist Wang. You've been a great help this past year. Here is 500 jin of Jade-Cold Spirit Water. You may leave."

She took out a blue gourd and handed it to Wang Changsheng.

Wang Changsheng was delighted after confirming it was correct.

After opening the door to the secret chamber, Nangong Chen appeared before Wang Changsheng and the two women.